ALAN SHEARER (1996)

 Reflecting on that balmy summer of 1996, it seemed the Geordie striker was in his pomp, terrorising defences and banging in goals from all angles - the complete centre-forward.

 Yet it’s easy to forget that he came into Euro 96 having not scored in 12 matches and 21 months for England.

 However, any calls for coach Terry Venables to axe the 25-year-old were soon forgotten once he opened the tournament scoring with a 22nd-minute strike against Switzerland.

 From there it just got better. Another against Scotland was followed with a brace against the Dutch in a 4-1 win and one of England’s most memorable Wembley performances.

 Always deadly from the spot, Shearer helped see Spain off in a quarter-final shootout before giving the Three Lions a dream start in the semi against West Germany.

 It was bittersweet though. The tie went to penalties and although the frontman again held his nerve, Gareth Southgate didn’t and England made a heroes exit.

 Shearer took the Golden Boot and headed home to Tyneside to embark on his long reign as Newcastle No.9.

SHEAR DELIGHT ... England's centre-forward Alan Shearer celebrates with Steve McManaman

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